Home  Stroke Facts and figures
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Facts and Figures This is a quick reference guide to: However, the great news is that 80% of strokes are preventable!1
Reduce your risk of stroke by following the suggestions outlined in the box below.
Stroke is a serious health issue and a medical emergency
You can reduce your risk of stroke by: having regular blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol tests, to check whether your levels are normal. If they are high your doctor or nurse may suggest ways of reducing them drinking alcohol only in moderation having regular checks on the health of your heart. If it is abnormal your doctor may suggest treatment stopping smoking.2
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Click on the topics below to find out more.
What causes stroke?
How to recognise stroke and transient ischemic attack
What to do if stroke happens
Why is stroke a major health issue?
Risk factors for stroke
Stroke is caused by a blockage of blood supply to, or a bleed within, the brain.3
Many people are not aware of the symptoms of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and often do not go to hospital if either of these events happen. Symptoms of stroke are sudden.3 Common ones include:
- numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body
- vision problems
- loss of coordination
- confusion or trouble speaking or understanding
- severe headache.3
 | “I was at work and my left arm suddenly felt numb and weak. I became tired and was given a lift home by my colleague. I went to bed. My wife made me go to hospital, the next day and the diagnosis showed that I had suffered a stroke. I was shocked. I was only in my forties with a young family and didn’t think stroke could happen to me.” |
Daniel, aged 47 years. |
Symptoms of a TIA are similar to stroke, but last only minutes or hours.4,5 Only a doctor can tell the difference between a TIA and a
stroke. Do not wait to see if it goes away. If someone has the symptoms, phone for emergency medical help immediately.4,5
Stroke is a medical emergency. If someone has a stroke, phone for emergency medical assistance urgently.2,4
Even though the symptoms of a TIA are short-lasting and may not seem severe, a TIA is a medical emergency. Seek medical assistance urgently. Do not wait to see if ‘it goes away’.4
Around 15 million people worldwide suffer from stroke every year6 About a quarter of strokes happen in people aged under 65 years7 Stroke leaves around a third of its victims permanently disabled6
The main cause of stroke is high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases your risk of stroke by 4-6 times3
Several factors have been directly linked to an increased risk of stroke,2,9 including those listed below.
Direct risk factor for stroke2,9 | | High blood pressure | | Smoking | | Heart disease | | Diabetes | | Excess alcohol intake | | High blood cholesterol |
References
1.National Stroke Association. Women and stroke.
2.The Stroke Association. Preventing a stroke.
3.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Questions and Answers About Stroke.
4.The Stroke Association. Leaflet: What is a stroke?
5.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. NINDS Transient Ischemic Attack Information Page.
6. World Health Organization 2004. Global Burden of Stroke. Part three: the burden. The Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke.
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stroke Facts and Statistics.
8. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. NINDS Stroke Information Page.
9.American Heart Association. Heart and Stroke Facts booklet. |
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